Papua New Guinea, Madang to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

I'm looking to sail from Madang, PNG June/July via northern Indonesia. Northern Irian Jaya, and Indonesia as a whole are tough to find much current information on. I'd really like to explore coastal northern Irian Jaya, northern Maluku, and Suluwesi. I haven't heard too much good information on this area. Am I nuts to tackle this coast? Any suggestions, safety/routing? Any information different from what the State Department issues would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve.

Steve,

The reports that I had from boats that had sailed around the north of PNG were ok. The few who stopped in Irian Jaya were ok too - you will need a cruising permit (CAIT) and must clear in before stopping anywhere else.

We have scant information on Sulawesi, so it all depends how adventuresome you are. There have been civil disturbances in that area, so it is impossible for us to advise you to go or not. I hope you understand.